Rugby fans will get an understanding of the level of physical and emotional commitment required to coach and compete at the highest levels of the sport when a new documentary, 'The West's Awake', airs on TG4 at 9.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday).

The much-anticipated documentary is an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Connacht's inaugural Heineken Cup season last year.

With unprecedented access granted by Connacht head coach Eric Elwood, the documentary follows the management, squad and supporters on their eventful season and provides a compelling unvarnished look at life at the Sportsground.

'The West's Awake' charts Connacht's European odyssey from the modest Sportsground in Galway to the mighty Stade Ernest Wallon in Toulouse via the Stoop of London and Kingsholm in Gloucester.

It lays bare the agony and ecstasy of Elwood and the Connacht squad as they strive to compete against the cream of European rugby in the face of overwhelming odds.

The cameras are in the dressing room to capture the drama and emotion of a rollercoaster year for the province and reveal rarely glimpsed insights into the level of commitment and physical and emotional investment required to compete at the highest levels.

Commenting on the documentary, director Kieran Hartigan said: "'The West's Awake' is as much a human-interest story as it is a sporting one. It reveals the human stories behind the players, the supporters and most relevantly in light of recent developments, the coach.

"It shows the level of physical and emotional commitment that these modern day gladiators need to invest to compete at the highest levels of their sport.

"It also shows how one's true character emerges in the face of adversity as it did for these guys in the midst of a very challenging season last year.

"Finally I think it speaks to a sense of belonging, to being 'of this place', Connacht. This is nowhere more evident that in the story of Eric Elwood.

"His pride in where he comes from, his passion for his team and his ambition for Connacht Rugby shine through our story.

"Eric and the management team could well have decided at the lowest points of the season last year to pull the plug on this project but they had the courage to let us continue and we've ended up with a stronger, more authentic story as a result."

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.